Related News/Archive

The city's communication department is readying an informational mailing to the city's "super-voters" about a proposed $160.5 million downtown aquarium.

The City Council has approved the mailing, which should go out about the same time as absentee ballots are mailed, approximately 45 days before the Nov. 5 referendum.

In 2007, an informational mailing for a referendum on the downtown marina cost $3,600 to send to 7,700 super-voters, or residents who have voted in three out of the last five elections.

City communications staffers are currently researching an updated list of such voters and figuring out how much it will cost to reach them, city spokeswoman Joelle Castelli said.

The money will come out of the city's communication budget.

The mailings won't advocate a position on the vote but will provide factual information.

In a July council meeting, council members discussed sending mailers to all of the city's 49,000 households but opted to follow the previous practice of alerting the super-voters.

The city has always sent out mailers for proposed changes to the city charter, City Attorney Pam Akin said.

"It's our responsibility to our community. It's not just the Clearwater Marine Aquarium but our community that we're talking about," City Council member Doreen Hock-DiPolito said.

The aquarium will pay for the referendum, which is estimated to cost about $70,000.

Countywide

Animal Services seeks foster parents for pets

Pinellas County Animal Services is seeking volunteers to be a part of the foster care team to help save pets in need of time away from the shelter.

Some of the animals that will benefit from the program include puppies and kittens too young for adoption, those recovering from surgery or illness, senior pets that need to be out of a shelter environment, dogs that have been on the adoption list for an extended period, and pets requiring socialization skills that can only be learned in a home environment.

Volunteers interested in becoming a foster parent will work directly with the adoption coordinator and the medical staff. The program requires a foster application and approval. All foster care parents are required to attend training and volunteer orientation.

On Wednesday, foster training will be from 5 to 6 p.m., and volunteer orientation class is from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Other scheduled dates are Sept. 14, a Saturday, for foster training and a volunteer orientation class from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and Sept. 25, a Wednesday, for foster training and a volunteer orientation class from 2:30 until 5 p.m.

All training sessions will be held at the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter, 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

For more information, visit Pinellas County Animal Services or call (727) 582-2600. Fill out the volunteer application, then check the Animal Care box and enter Animal Foster Care/Rescue in the dropdown area.

For information on how to adopt, donate or volunteer, join Pinellas County Animal Services on Facebook. To learn more about the shelter, visit pinellascounty.org/animalservices, or call (727) 582-2600.

Schools seek mentors

Pinellas County Schools will host a mentor recruitment fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at the St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. in St. Petersburg.

Attendees will learn about the variety of volunteering opportunities available across the district and can complete the volunteer registration form, undergo a background screening and attend a mentor training workshop.

There will be giveaways for those who pledge to mentor for the 2013-14 school year.

A school bus parked at the event will act as a collection site for donations of school supplies. For more information, call (727) 588-5050.

East Lake

Library board wants residents' opinion on plan

Because of recent changes in the funding of the East Lake Library, the library's Advisory Board is asking East Lake residents to complete a survey regarding the long-term plan for the library.

The short survey asks some specific questions and allows the community to provide feedback. A volunteer committee will be formed in coming weeks to conduct focus groups as well.

For those who do not have access to a computer, a printed survey is available at the library, 4125 East Lake Road.

For the survey or for more information, visit eastlakelibrary.org or call (727) 773-2665.

Dunedin

Teens can get practice for SAT

The Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave., is hosting private tutor sessions to prepare teens to take the SAT this October. For two hours each Saturday starting at 2 p.m., tutor Amy Lucas will show students prep DVDs and administer practice drills.

The Aug. 17, 24 and 31 sessions focus on math. The Sept. 7 and 14 sessions focus on critical reading. The Sept. 21 and 28 sessions focus on writing.

While students don't need to register for the classes, registration is required for those who wish to take the practice SAT from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14. Call (727) 298-3080 ext. 1732 for details.

Back-to-school with a pool party

Students and their families are invited to the city of Dunedin's annual back-to-school party at Highlander Pool, 1937 Ed Eckert Drive. The bash, to be held 6 to 9 p.m. Friday will feature music, games, a picnic dinner, backpack raffles and more.

The city's public safety committee, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and various city departments will also be on hand to offer information about school and fire safety, before- and after-school programs, and reading and literacy.

Admission is $2 each. For more information, call the Dunedin Highlander Pool at (727) 298-3266.